More cancer patients in West Sussex applying for grants

THE number of cancer patients relying on grants in West Sussex is on the increase.

A Macmillan grant is a one-off payment for adults, young people or children living with cancer.

Last year 243 people claimed £80,000 from the charity, this was up on 2009 where 210 people claimed £63,000.

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Chad Hardiman, Macmillan Grants Administrator, said: “It’s hard to pinpoint why we are getting more applications, but it’s probably due to the economic situation, so more people are meeting our criteria.

There has also been an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with cancer so that would also have an effect. But we are expecting it to increase again this year.”

The grant covers a wide range of practical needs from heating bills, to wigs and extra clothing.

In order to receive the grant a person’s disposable income must be less than £100 a week for each person, and a person’s savings amount to no more that £6,000 if you are single, or £8,000 as a couple or family.

Each year around 7,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Sussex.